Bravo to Ned Coltman and the other young protesters (“Eagle Scouts use badges to decry gay ban,” Metro, Aug. 27). The proudest moment of my youth was when my twin brother and I became Eagle Scouts 54 years ago. More than 21 merit badges, this achievement celebrated our fortitude in overcoming the devastation of a very troubled family. When my brother died of cancer at 37, recollections of the awards banquet held in our honor became all the more special.
Nevertheless, I recently relinquished my Eagle badge in protest. Like it or not, there have always been gays in scouting; the actions of the Boy Scouts of America are simply driving them back into the closet, denying young scouts who are tormented by struggles with their sexual identification the exposure to healthy role models.